Look what I stumbled upon on ShopTalk today - Dallas' Fashion's Night Out! A night completed and utterly dedicated to fashion! I was completely oblivious to the existence of this extravaganza - and now I am dying to go. Honestly, who could resit this super chic soiree?  So mark your calenders for Thursday, September 6th and be sure to check out ShopTalk's guide to Fashion's Night Out in Dallas! 

Below are some looks I'm loving right now. 

xoxo

Meet Jackie Kennedy, my super spoiled city kitty. I think she loves living downtown even more than me.

Happy National Waffle Day y'all!  I am so excited to have an excuse to eat waffles all day long! Here are some Dallas establishments that are serving up some wonderful waffles: 

 The Luxe Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa - I'm dying to try their Texas shaped waffle with house made vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce with fresh strawberries (pictured above). 

Victor Tangos - I can honestly say that I LOVE their Little Chicken & Waffles. Victor Tangos is the first place I ever tried this southern dish, and it was love at first bite. I'm hoping I can convince my husband to take me here tonight! 

Bread Winners - First of all if you have never been to the original location in uptown, that in itself is worth a trip. The food also happens to be fabulous - try their bananas foster waffle (it is delicious), and while you are there you might as well try their CINNAMON RAISIN FRENCH TOAST which might be my favorite breakfast item on the menu. 

Hattie's - I've only eaten here once, but I've heard their chicken and waffles are superb! 

Lucky's Cafe - Nominated by a friend to have super yummy waffles! I'll have to stop by there soon! 

Union Park Dallas - It might be time to give this place another try. Their version of chicken & waffles looks amazing. 

How are YOU going to celebrate National Waffle Day?

xoxo

In my home there are three oil paintings hanging on the east wall - an orange, a pink flower, and guitar. I painted all three of them. I don't claim to be an artist, expert, or critic.  All I know is that I love art - whether it's an oil painting or a chalk drawing illustrated by my nephews. Art is beautiful, and one of my favorite things to do in Dallas is to visit the Dallas Museum of Art - I think it is one of the most fantastic places in the city.  

On Sunday we went to the DMA for the last day of Flower of the Prairie: George Grosz in Dallas, featuring a series of oil paintings, drawings, and watercolors done by German artist George Grosz. I really enjoyed the exhibit. It was interesting to learn about Grosz's life and what led him to Dallas. 

The three different galleries featured Grosz's time in Germany, New York, and Dallas. I found the first two galleries extremely intriguing and fascinating, but dark.  I spent the majority of my time in the Dallas gallery, scanning each piece for my favorite downtown landmarks.  Oddly, my favorite painting was entitled "Cattle" (which is pictured below). As rudimentary as this sounds, I thought it was pretty - it was an example of how I imagined Dallas in the fifties, cattle ranches surrounding a booming city.  I also enjoyed the historic photos of Dallas and Grosz's interpretation.  I left the exhibit with a new knowledge and perspective of Dallas. 

If you missed it, The exhibition is featured in the Dallas Museum of Art's first e-catalog! Click here to download it on your iPad or computer.  It's an interesting read. Enjoy!

xoxo

After a long, hot, and humid week in Dallas, Saturday's rainfall was a blessing - and judging by the comments on Facebook, I don't think I was the only Dallasite who was thrilled with the cooling rain. 

I happen to really enjoy beer, which probably accounts to the weight I've gained since marriage as my husband shares the same enjoyment. My favorite brewery in the whole world happens to be in Juneau, Alaska at the Alaskan Brewery Company. Their Alaskan White, wheat ale is the perfect escape from the Texas heat.  However, since Juneau is a couple thousand miles away from Dallas I've started exploring local breweries. 

We used to drive to Fort Worth to Rahr & Sons Brewing Company, but when we moved to Dallas we discovered the Deep Ellum Brewing Company and our participation in the city of Fort Worth dwindled. DEBC is a walk-able distance from our apartment and has tours Thursday and Saturday. We've been numerous times, but I especially like going on Thursdays because it's in the evening and the day is starting to cool off. The beer is delicious and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. 

Things you want to know:

• Thursday tasting/tours are from 6PM to 8:30PM 
  
• Saturday tasting/tours are from NOON to 3PM 
• $10 tour admission fee  (includes a DEBC logo glass - which Mark has presumed we have to collect)

• It's outside
  
• You'll probably be standing, unless you can get there early and grab a table (but it never bothers me - it's like hanging out in a friend's backyard) 
  
• They always have some form of live music  
  
• You'll get 3 tickets for beer samples (Or 4 if they have 12 oz glasses) 
  
• There is usually a sampling of local food  (sometimes they even have food trucks)

I've noticed that I've been writing a lot about food, restaurants, bars, and other food related topics. So, today I thought I would switch it up - since I'm obviously not a food critic.  

Below are some pictures I snapped of Dallas. Enjoy!

xoxo

I love checking out new restaurants. Sometimes you are pleasantly surprised, and other times you are unfortunately disappointed. After venturing to Union Park, I still can't decide what my impression is of this new sports restaurant in downtown. It has a cool vibe - with an intriguing lamp installment behind the hostess stand, illuminated red mirrors, and exposed concrete pillars. The restaurant appears to be divided into three sections: the bar, the main restaurant, and a lounge area (equipped with a pool table, couches, and flat screen tvs). We sat in the bar area so we could take full advantage of the live band, which I liked. I also enjoyed the food, but our service was lacking. Luckily, the owner was aware and I was extremely appreciative of how he handled the situation. I think I will probably try it again... just might give the restaurant time to work out their kinks.

Last night I stumbled across this super sweet message from my amazing wedding florist, Debby Jewesson: 

"Oh how I just loved Arianna Glanville! She was so much fun to work with and just wait until you see all the details she put together for her big day at The Stoneleigh Hotel! Congrats Arianna and Mark! And FAB picts K Coburn! " 

I just love her and I want to shout it from the mountain tops!  As a member of Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book, Debby and her crazy talented team at Branching out Floral and Event Design  are behind some of the loveliest weddings in all of Dallas. Debby is a complete genius, and within minutes of meeting her, I was hooked. Her genuine personality encompassed everything I wanted in a vendor. It was simply effortless to work with her. I have a strong affinity for flowers, and I knew without a doubt I wanted an abundance at my wedding. Debby saw my vision and made it come alive. To this today I can't believe how lucky I am that I can say she was the florist at my wedding. 

On my wedding day, I got to have a sneak peak of the cake base Debby and her team created using a plethora of gorgeous pink blooms, it was stunning. However, my all time favorite (pre-wedding) moment was when I got to hold my wedding bouquet. I had asked Debby for a mammoth array of white peonies, and she absolutely delivered.  It was beyond gorgeous, it was a dream come true. Truly all of the floral creations at my wedding were pure perfection and beyond fabulous. Each bloom was ridiculously succulent and my heart was bursting with happiness. I can't wait to share all the delicious details with y'all later! 

xoxo

It's almost time for Restaurant Week in Dallas! You can choose from over 100 restaurants in Dallas, including some of my favorites (The French Room and the Dallas Fish Market). I love the chance of being able to explore new places and have a three-course dinner for just $35 per person. You just can't beat that deal! The best part is that for each dinner purchased, money  is donated to local charities. 

Last year Mark and I went to Bolla (now T/X Restaurant & Bar at The Stoneleigh Hotel) for Restaurant Week. Since we were getting married at The Stoneleigh it was so fun to experience the atmosphere of the hotel and taste their food before our big day. We were so in love with the food, we've been back numerous times. Their patio is one of my most beloved places in the city. I'm feeling a little disappointed that the restaurant has been renamed, but I hoping the quality and atmosphere have remained intact. 

We haven't decided on a restaurant for this year, and I am definitely more gung ho about it than my husband, so I think the choice will ultimately be up to me. You can view the extensive 2012 participant list here. 

xoxo